Saudi Regulated Hunting Season Runs Sept to Jan

Saudi Arabia's regulated terrestrial hunting season for 2026–2027 is under way nationwide, running from 1 September 2026 to 31 January 2027 under rules set by the National Center for Wildlife. Sustainable hunting is limited to approved species only, as listed on the Center's website and on the Fitri (فطري) platform.

For this season, hunting is permitted for about 30 species, with the national hunting quota raised by 11% and the number of licenses increased by 34% compared with the previous season. Hunting is allowed only in designated sites announced periodically by the Center.

Where and when hunting is banned

Hunting is prohibited within the Two Holy Mosques, inside cities and villages, and near roads, farms, facilities, and mosques. Night hunting is also banned, with the restriction running from one hour before sunset to one hour after sunrise.

A personal hunting license from the National Center for Wildlife is mandatory for all hunting activities. The license cannot be transferred to another person and must be carried alongside the license for any weapon used. Licenses must be renewed through the Center upon expiry, with the required documents submitted.

For licensed hunting with firearms, separate permits are needed for licensed hunting rifles and for registered falconers. Holders of licensed rifles and falconers registered with the Saudi Falcons Club must obtain season permits via the Fitri platform. As a reference, a license to hunt marine wildlife species (excluding economic fish) is set at 550 SAR as is a license to extract products or derivatives of allowed wild species.

Penalties

First-offense fines include 10,000 SAR for hunting without a license, 5,000 SAR for hunting in prohibited places, and 5,000 SAR for hunting outside permitted seasons or times. Using firearms in hunting where prohibited or against the conditions carries an 80,000 SAR fine. Selling hunted wildlife or their products and derivatives is prohibited without a prior license from the Center.

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